How do you really extra cash — including kids.
If I was a teenager in 2026, I’d be tempted to try my hand at flipping collectibles on eBay or creating YouTube content as an influencer, among other ideas.
But let’s be real. Earning real money from making videos can take years, and in my teenage heyday, I was saving for a car!
What I was able to do is make a decent hourly wage washing dishes at a nursing home at about 16. Admittedly, that job was miserable, but for some reason I reflect back on the suffering with a smile.
First up: How old are you?
You can get a real job at a young age. Traditional work opportunities open up at age 14, according to the Department of Labor . With some restrictions, you can do:
Retail work (cashiering, stocking, bagging, price marking).
Creative/intellectual work (tutoring, acting, music, coding).
Errands and <a t require an application, but may be even more profitable.
Babysit for friends and family
Babysitting in your spare time is a very realistic high-earning option for a 14-17-year-old.
